Attribution: Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Members of the Forsyth County community are on the front lines of defense in North Carolina against the invasive Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), a pest that poses significant threats to fruit production, especially grapevines, and to hops production. We already know we have these pests in our area, and help from the community to manage and control them is crucial.

The good news: there is very little danger to the average yard, forest, or garden from these pests - so there is no need to panic!

Right now, you can help tackle adults (pictured above) by spraying them directly with insecticidal soap or using a wet/dry vacuum to capture and drown them in soapy water. You can also stomp on them as you are able. In addition to eliminating adults, trapping and scraping egg masses will help to decrease the number of nymphs that emerge in the spring. The DIY Lampshade Trap resource link in this article is a great option for decreasing the number of egg masses in the environment.

There is no longer a need to report spotted lanternfly sightings in Forsyth, Guilford, or Davidson Counties as they are established in these areas. Please continue reading for helpful resources regarding management and control of spotted lanternfly, as well as management of Tree of Heaven.

Click Here to View the Spotted Lanternfly Management Guide for Homeowners

Click Here to View the Spotted Lanternfly Management Guide for Nurseries

Click Here to View the Spotted Lanternfly Management Guide for Landscapers

Click Here to View the Spotted Lanternfly Lampshade Trap Resource

Click Here to View the Penn State Guide for Making a Circle Trap

Click Here to View the Tree of Heaven Identification and Management Guide